Byzantine Follis (Likely Anonymous Type)

Byzantine Empire · Approximately 9th - 11th Century AD

A crudely struck, heavily corroded and encrusted copper alloy coin with a dark brown patina. The central designs are nearly obliterated by environmental damage.

Country: Byzantine Empire
Year: Approximately 9th - 11th Century AD
Denomination: Follis
Metal: Copper Alloy / Bronze

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 6, 2026More byzantine empire coins →

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Overview

A crudely struck, heavily corroded and encrusted copper alloy coin with a dark brown patina. The central designs are nearly obliterated by environmental damage.

Historical significance

Byzantine coinage of this era often featured religious iconography. Anonymous follis types, started by John I Tzimiskes, replaced the portrait of the Emperor with depictions of Christ to signify that Christ was the true ruler of the empire.

Obverse (front)

Traces of a possible bust or central figure within a circular border, though most details are lost to heavy encrustation and pitting.

Reverse (back)

Indications of a possible cross or Greek inscription in three or four lines, which was standard for anonymous folles, but currently illegible.

Estimated value

$1 - $10 (Extremely poor condition and unidentifiable types have minimal market value)

What drives this coin's value

Value is severely diminished due to the lack of identifiable legends, a visible ruler, or a distinct strike. Only identifiable rare types or high-condition pieces command significant value.

Grade assessment

Poor (P) / Culled. The coin is heavily corroded, pitted, and details are largely unidentifiable.

Mintage & rarity

High original mintage, but condition makes this specific specimen very common and of low numismatic interest.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authentic ancient coins usually show 'flow lines' or signs of strike. However, because of the low value of Byzantine copper in this condition, counterfeits are less common than for gold or silver types. Watch for 'casting bubbles' or seams.

Notable varieties & errors

Overstrikes are common in this series, where a new design was hammered over an older coin.

Similar coins

Late Roman bronze coins, other Byzantine denominations like the half-follis, or Islamic imitative coins.

Care & preservation

Do not attempt to scrape or chemically clean the surface as it is extremely fragile. Store in a dry environment to prevent further corrosion (bronze disease). Handle by edges only.

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Byzantine Half Follis of Justinian II

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Byzantine Empire · Circa 498-668 AD (specifically, the image likely shows a follis from the reigns of Justinian I, Justin II, or Maurice Tiberius, given the clear 'M' design)

40 Nummi (M)